Tripoli Security Advice

Personal Security

Here are a few tips on personal security in Tripoli. As long as you are aware of the present situation and use your common sense, there is no reason why you cannot enjoy your visit/stay here.

1. Do not go for walks on the road at night unaccompanied. If this is unavoidable, stay in the brighter areas and avoid passing thick hedges or derelict buildings. If you do feel you are being followed, turn into the nearest safe premises, (e.g. well lit shopping areas, petrol stations, police stations, restaurants etc), and seek assistance.

2. Always carry your mobile telephone or be aware of the nearest so that you have reliable comms. Carry a spare top up card.

3. Be alert, if you observe suspicious persons or vehicles or hear suspicious sounds, do not investigate personally; call your organisations duty officer, or another colleague.

4. If you see someone who is, or about to break into premises, do not investigate personally, call the Police.

5. Do not leave notes to indicate that you are not at home.

6. Keep a list of contact and emergency numbers handy, both at home and on your mobile telephone.

7. If a crime has been committed, inform the Police and do not touch anything, or clean up until the police have arrived and investigated the scene.

8. Never pick up hitchhikers no matter how well dressed and genuine they appear.

Security Dos and Don'ts

1. We need to remain alert to the dangers we face from criminal activity, either directly, or as innocent bystanders. The following common sense precautions, which we should all take, will reduce the chances of involvement in an incident. 

Don'ts

• DO NOT frequent run-down areas, especially at night.

• DO NOT drive alone in Tripoli at night unless absolutely necessary. If you do drive alone at night, stick to main or well-lit roads, and keep doors locked and windows up.

• DO NOT drive with valuables on display within your vehicle.

• DO NOT drive alone, if at all possible, at night outside of Tripoli at any time.

• DO NOT stop or park in isolated areas.

• DO NOT ever give lifts to hitchhikers or strangers, and do not accept lifts from strangers.

• DO NOT frequent restaurants or cafes on a regular basis - do not set a pattern.

• DO NOT accept drinks from strangers. You do not know what else may have been put in the drink.

• DO NOT carry handbags over one shoulder; place the strap over your head if possible.

• DO NOT carry large amounts of cash. If you have to do so, then distribute it around your person.

• DO NOT resist if a stranger approaches you and demands your valuables.

• DO NOT walk anywhere after dark. This is the prime operating time for muggers and snatchers.

• DO NOT call attention to yourself. Beachwear is not appropriate for wear around the streets of Tripoli.

Dos

• DO drive with your car doors locked, and where possible windows closed and locked.

• DO place valuables under car seats or in the trunk when driving.

• DO carry your mobile phone with you at all times and have them switched on. You can then get in touch with the duty officer or Police 24 hours a day if you need help.

• DO ensure that at home all grilles, doors and windows are properly secured, with the keys removed, when you are out, and similarly when you retire at night.

• DO let another member of your organisation know when you are leaving Tripoli and when you are going to return, so that action can be taken if you fail to return from your journey.

• DO brief your visitors and houseguests of what they should and shouldn't do.

• DO be alert to your surroundings and make sure you know how to reach your destination before setting out.

• DO familiarise yourself with your local police stations and make a note of the numbers.

None of the above precautions are particularly onerous and should not prevent us from enjoying our posting/stay in Tripoli. If anyone has any questions or concerns about security, no matter how small you think they are, please speak to your organization's security officer.